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SEATTLE -- A hockey insider for a Canadian sports network says the NHL will likely take a "tangible step" to get the expansion ball rolling when the NHL Board of Governors meets Thursday in Florida.

TSN's Bob McKenzie reports that the NHL wants to expand to 32 teams, and that Seattle appears to meet all criteria to be that team.

McKenzie says once the city council approved a major renovation of KeyArena, Seattle checked off the final three boxes the NHL requires to expand.

Market:

"The NHL has always had eyes for Seattle and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. That region has been the most notable missing part of the NHL’s so-called national “footprint” in the U.S. In 2013, the NHL’s internal rankings for most desirable expansion locations were: 1. Seattle; 2. Las Vegas; 3. Quebec City."

Arena:

"The Oak View Group, led by former Los Angeles King and Toronto Maple Leaf executive Tim Leiweke, has navigated tricky political waters in Seattle to get approval on the Key Arena renovation. The bottom line is, barring any unforeseen issues, Seattle will have a state-of-the-art facility worthy of the NHL or NBA no later than the fall of 2020."

Ownership:

"Billionaire investment banker David Bonderman and Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer head up the group that is not short on money or star power or, in the case of Bruckheimer, someone who’s been a friend of the NHL for quite some time."

1. Simply acknowledge publicly the Bonderman-Bruckheimer group as having shown commitment to a Seattle expansion franchise and possibly designate it as the tentative “owners-to-be.” I’ll be curious to see if this group has underscored their seriousness to get an NHL expansion franchise by making a financial commitment to the NHL now as a show of good faith.

2. Announce that the NHL fully intends to add a 32nd franchise in the not-too-distant future.

3. Open up a formal bidding process for a 32nd franchise.

4. Give the Bonderman-Bruckheimer group league permission to begin boots-on-the-ground testing/research/marketing in Seattle, such as a season-ticket drive or something of that nature that would pave the way for an NHL team in Seattle.

The Oak View Group has been focused on acquiring an NHL franchise and turning KeyArena into a world-class hockey and concert facility with the potential of hosting an NBA team in the future. It has said it could have the building ready by October 2020 if environmental approvals are obtained and demolition can start in October 2018.

"I believe this is the best thing for the city of Seattle whoever you cheer for," said Councilmember Debora Juarez, who co-chaired the council's committee on civic arenas. She said she was proud of the agreement that was hammered out "at little or no costs to the taxpayers" and embodied the city's values.

Following the 7-1 council vote, Mayor Jenny Durkan said in a statement that she looks forward to reviewing and signing the MOU later this week. "I've said consistently that I'm committed to bring back our Sonics, recruit an NHL team, and invest in our City," Durkan said.

The NHL has not hidden its interest in Seattle, the No. 14 media market in the country and the only market in the top 25 that does not have an NBA or NHL team.

"We feel extremely good about the partnership between the City of Seattle and OVG and respect and applaud the City in its ability to be thoughtful, collaborative, and deal focused throughout this process while maintaining the best interest of its citizens," Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke said in a statement.

OVG has lined up billionaire David Bonderman and filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer as the lead owners for a potential NHL franchise.

KeyArena opened its doors in 1962 and was last renovated in 1995. It is currently home to the WNBA's Seattle Storm and hosts dozens of concerts and other events. It had about 570,000 visitors last year.

Councilmembers praised the agreement for including benefits for the city including $20 million in cash and in-kind contributions to nonprofit organizations and another $40 million to help improve transportation in the area around Seattle Center.

The memorandum of understanding is the first step in a process that will include an environmental review. The city still needs to finalize several key documents with the developer, including the lease and other agreements.

Under the MOU, Oak View Group would be responsible for regular facility upgrades for the life of the 39-year lease agreement. Should those upgrade requirements be met, there are two eight-year lease extensions that will be activated, and carry the entire life of the lease agreement to 55 years.

The council's action comes one day after an agreement for another arena in Seattle's stadium district expired. The city and investor Chris Hansen agreed to an arena plan in 2012 that was contingent on Hansen acquiring an NBA team and included some public investment in a project to be constructed near Safeco Field.

Hansen has since offered a completely privately financed project, but has continued to run into road blocks in getting final approvals to make his arena "shovel-ready" should an NBA team become available.

Hansen and others said in a statement that they remain steadfast in bringing an NBA team back to Seattle. "Having two viable arena options puts Seattle in the best position to attract and NBA team," Hansen and other partners said in a statement.